Poznań Christmas Market 2025: What to Eat, See, and Know Before You Go
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What if I told you there’s a Christmas market in Poland that could go toe-to-toe with Germany—but without the elbow-to-elbow crowds and overpriced bratwurst?
That market is in Poznań.
I’ll be honest, this was my favorite Christmas Market last season, aside from the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in the Black Forest.
I visited Poland in December 2024 to see my friend Aleksandra, who lives in Bydgoszcz. We planned a three-day Christmas market trip through Gdańsk, Toruń, Bydgoszcz…and then we got to Poznań.
And everything changed.
This city glowed. It buzzed. It wrapped us in warmth and cinnamon-scented joy (or maybe it’s the smell of bratwurst..one shall never know).
We drank the best mulled wine I’ve ever had (yes, even better than Germany).
This guide covers exactly how to experience Poznan’s Christmas Market right, whether you’re solo, a family with small children, or just chasing winter magic!
Why Visit the Poznań Christmas Market?
So why Poznań, of all places?
Because it delivers everything you want from a European Christmas market, without the chaos.
It’s festive without being flashy. Cozy without being cramped. And filled with enough sparkle, scent, and soul to turn even the grinchiest traveler into a holiday convert.
The best part is as of right now, the dollar/euro/pound will go far at Christmas Markets in Poland! That’s right! It’s pretty budget-friendly and family-friendly! I have always thought this about Poland.
While my niche is Solo travel, I couldn’t help but notice one thing about the Poznan Christmas Market: it’s aimed at entertaining kids AND adults!
If you have small kids, they’ll enjoy the rides and the games at Wolnosc Square (I bet parents are relieved to hear that!)
Poznan Christmas Markets at a Glance
POZNAN CHRISTMAS MARKET DATES: TBA
Location: Western Poland. easily reached from Warsaw, Wrocław, and Berlin.
Known For: Renaissance-style Town Hall, colorful merchant houses, Stary Rynek
Food To Try: Pierogi, smoked oscypek cheese with cranberry, gingerbread cookies (pierniki), mulled wine (grzaniec), and chocolate-covered fruit skewers.
Local Specialty: St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal Świętomarciński)
Nearby Attractions: Poznań Cathedral, Imperial Castle, and the interactive Croissant Museum.
Where the Poznan Christmas Markets Happen
Poznań’s Christmas Market spans two central squares:
- Stary Rynek: Expect towering Christmas trees, wooden stalls, and live music and Ice skating rink!
- Plac Wolności: Home to the Ferris wheel, food vendors, and the Ice Sculpture Festival
An Event in Poznan you can’t miss
Pro Tip: Time your visit to include the international ice sculpture competition, where artists from around the world compete live. Bundle up and arrive early to beat the crowds.
What to See and Do at the Poznan Market
What We Ate (And What You Should Too)
Let’s talk food. Because if there’s one reason to come to a Polish Christmas market, it’s the food you’ll eat.
We kicked things off with grzaniec, Poland’s take on mulled wine. And I swear—I’ve had glühwein in Germany, Austria, and even Alsace, but this one in Poznań? Absolutely the best. It was spiced perfectly, not too sweet, and served in a tall frosted mug I immediately knew I’d be packing into my suitcase.
One thing to note about Polish Christmas markets is that they don’t operate on the deposit system like Germany; you buy everything outright.
This mug, pictured below, was about 16PLN/5USD.
Next up: pierogi. These warm dumplings were filled with a savory mixture of mushrooms and cabbage, seared lightly on the griddle, and topped with fried onions. Simple. Classic. Perfect.
We also couldn’t resist the local legend—Rogal Świętomarciński, or St. Martin’s Croissant.
This rich pastry filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruit is unique to the region, and only a few bakeries are certified to make the real deal.
But the surprise star for me? Shashlik. These grilled skewers of marinated meat smelled so good I didn’t think twice before ordering. What I should’ve done was specify the weight. Instead, I walked away with a family-sized portion. Still, no regrets. It was smoky, juicy, and seasoned perfectly.
Of course, there are other delicacies you can indulge in, but I wanted meat?! This makes me laugh. You should know Poland is renowned for their grilled meats!
BEWARE
If you’re ordering meats like kielbasa or shashlik, always ask for a specific weight or portion size. Vendors often serve generously, and you’ll pay accordingly.
I paid 16PLN for a whole skewer. Don’t be like me.
Ice Skating at the Starý Rynek in Poznan
In Stary Rynek, near the historic Old Town Hall (Ratusz), you’ll find even more festive stalls offering traditional Polish crafts and treats. There’s often a charming ice skating rink set up nearby, though ticket prices can vary each year. Skating here, with the backdrop of Poznań’s colorful merchant houses and Renaissance architecture, feels straight out of a holiday postcard.
Dress Code and Smart Tips for your time at the Poznan Christmas Market
How Much Cash Should You Bring?
While many stalls accept cards, having Polish złoty (PLN) on hand is smart for quick purchases and food vendors that are cash-only. Here’s what I recommend:
- 100–150 PLN (about 25–35 USD) for snacks, mulled wine, and small gifts
- Up to 200 PLN if you plan to eat multiple meals at the market or buy handcrafted items
There are ATMs near both Stary Rynek and Plac Wolności, but withdrawal fees vary. Get cash before arriving at the market to avoid long lines or high exchange rates.
- Dress warmly: Base layers, a down jacket, and wool socks are essential.
- Bring cash: Not all vendors accept cards
- Go midweek: Weekends get crowded fast
- Explore beyond the stalls: Don’t skip the Cathedral, Castle, or Croissant Museum
Poznań is a dream for first-timers and solo adventurers:
Well-lit, walkable city center
Compact—everything is within 10 minutes on foot
Bilingual signage and helpful locals
Cozy cafés and easy public transport if you want to wander
Best Places to Stay Near Poznań Christmas Market
Looking for the perfect hotel within walking distance of the markets? These options cover a range of budgets and styles:
- Palazzo Rosso Old Town– Trendy, design-forward hotel close to Stary Rynek. Great for solo travelers and couples.
- Hotel NH Poznań – Central, modern, and reliable. Easy access to both market squares.
- Hotel Ratuszova – Boutique charm right on the Old Market Square.
- Hotel Mercure Poznań Centrum – A solid, international chain with larger rooms, good for families.
- Malta Premium Hotel – A quieter option just outside the center but still easily reachable by tram.
How to Get to the Poznań Christmas Markets (Train, Plane, Bus & Car)
Poznań is one of Poland’s most connected cities, and getting to the Christmas markets, centered around Plac Wolności and Old Market Square (Stary Rynek), is simpler than you might expect. Here’s your no-stress guide, broken down by travel style.
How to Get from Poznań Airport to Stary Rynek (Map!)
Curious how far the Old Town is from the airport? Here’s a quick visual guide. Whether you’re grabbing a taxi, hopping on Bus 159, or driving in, you’ll be in the city center in no time.
By Train
Poznań Główny is a modern, easily navigable train station with frequent high-speed and regional train routes.
| From | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 3 hrs | PKP Intercity trains run hourly. |
| Berlin | 2.5–3 hrs | Direct EuroCity trains—no changes. |
| Wrocław | 2 hrs | Great regional option with views. |
Need a Train ticket?
Click here to Book your train to Poznań in advance with Omio
By Bus
FlixBus and Ecolines offer budget options from cities like Gdańsk, Kraków, and Berlin.
Poznań is connected to cities across Poland and Europe by reliable bus lines like FlixBus and Ecolines.
| From | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gdańsk | ~5.5 hrs | Scenic ride through central Poland. |
| Kraków | 7 hrs | Overnight options available. |
| Berlin | ~3.5 hrs | Budget-friendly and direct. |
By Car
Want total flexibility? Poznań is right off the A2 motorway, which connects Berlin and Warsaw.
| From | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 2.5–3 hrs | A2 east, toll road—passport required. |
| Warsaw | ~3.5 hrs | A2 west, well-marked and easy to drive. |
| Łódź | ~2 hrs | A2 or Route 92 options. |
Need to Park Near Poznań’s Old Town? Here Are 2 Easy Options
1. Parkuj i Idź Za Bramką (Park & Go)
Address: ul. Za Bramką 13
Walk to Stary Rynek: 3 minutes
Rate: ~6 PLN/hour or 60 PLN/day
2. Plac Wolności Underground Parking (Interparking)
Address: Plac Wolności
Walk to Stary Rynek: 4 minutes
Rate: From 8 PLN/hour (discounts available with the Interparking app)
Tip: Street parking in the Old Town is limited and time-restricted. These garages are safe, well-priced, and all within a 3–6 minute walk to the square.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Remember Poznań
Poznań’s Christmas Market didn’t just meet my expectations—it reshaped them. What I thought would be a charming stop turned out to be the highlight of my winter trip through Poland.
From the intimate layout of the market squares to the unforgettable food (yes, that mulled wine again), Poznań felt authentic, approachable, and joyfully festive. It’s the kind of place that quietly wins you over, without the need for spectacle or crowds.
If you’re a solo traveler looking for a meaningful holiday escape—or just someone craving a more relaxed and immersive market experience—Poznań delivers.
Have a favorite Polish market memory or a question about planning your trip? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.
